What is volunteering?
Volunteering is defined as the commitment of time and energy, for the benefit of society, local communities, individuals outside the immediate family, the environment or other causes. Voluntary activities are undertaken of a person’s own free will, without payment (except for the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses). Volunteering can be both formal and informal. Formal volunteering is when someone gives their time to a specific organisation while informal volunteering can be as simple as doing the shopping for an elderly neighbour.
Who are volunteers?
Volunteers are people from all walks of life, all ages and all stages. What they have in common is the desire to make a difference in their community—and in their own life—by giving their time. While many people volunteer to give something back, most volunteers find that they experience a number of benefits too. Volunteering has been proven to have benefits to both physical and mental health. To learn more, read Volunteer Ireland’s report into The Impact of Volunteering on the Health and Well-being of the Volunteer. See our FAQ for more information.
How can we help you volunteer?
At the Roscommon Volunteer Centre we provide a range of services to volunteers where you can:
- Find out about volunteering opportunities,
- Get information on the rights of volunteers,
- Talk to someone about the how, why, and where of volunteering,
- Get ongoing support and advice if you want it,
- Share your expertise with an organisation that needs it, and
- Learn how to acquire skills and build your CV through voluntary experience.
I'm Ready to Volunteer. What's next?
Everyone can volunteer and there are volunteering roles out there to suit all interests and skills. There are countless volunteering opportunities for people to take part in ranging from supporting animal welfare groups, sitting on a board for a community group, helping an organisation with social media communication, web design, administration, advocacy and everything in between. Whether you’re looking to develop your skills or bring your talents to an cause you’re passionate about, there’s a place for you!
On I-VOL, you can find thousands of available volunteering opportunities across Ireland. You can search for opportunities by location, cause, activity or keyword. Browse I-VOL to click, connect and volunteer!
Everything you need to know to get started
The Volunteer Charter
This Volunteer Charter comes in two segments, one for Organisations and one for volunteers and can be used to clarify expectations from both sides when a volunteer takes up a role in your organisation.
By implementing this Volunteer Charter you are creating a clear foundation of the relationship with volunteers and by ensuring the charter is followed, generating an increased quality in the volunteering experience.
The Benefits of The Volunteer Charter for Volunteers and Organisations
The Volunteer Charter is a guiding framework that promotes best practices in volunteering by outlining the responsibilities of both volunteers and the organisations that engage them. It ensures a positive and productive relationship, benefiting both parties in several key ways.
By adopting The Volunteer Charter, both volunteers and organisations can work together more effectively, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that maximises the impact of volunteer efforts. It fosters a culture of respect, collaboration, and excellence in volunteerism, ensuring a rewarding experience for all involved.
